Contents

Due to the link between Jerez de la Frontera and the United Kingdom created by the exports of sherry (Jerez in Spanish), football had its beginnings in the region towards the second half of the 19th century. In the early 20th century Sir Thomas Spencer, who worked with the William & Humbert winery, founded Sociedad Jerez Foot-Ball Club – he also served as chairman, player and captain.

From 1942 to 1947 the club had several names, ending with Jerez Club Deportivo, which was changed to the current name in 1960s. Xerez first reached the second division in 1953–54, remaining there for five years; previously, in the 1940s, the team had promoted on the field but, due to the "high national interest" of the dictatorial government, left its position to España de Tánger Football Club.[1]

Matchday in Chapín

The team's new stadium, Estadio Municipal de Chapín, was inaugurated on 10 July 1988, replacing the old Estadio Domecq – the first match there was a friendly against Real Madrid. After decades in that category and also in the third, it had a 2001–02 second level campaign which almost resulted in an historic La Liga promotion, only one year after doing the same thing; the club seemed certain to gain promotion all season, but ultimately failed after a dramatic loss of form towards its closure, only gaining four points in the last eight matches.

Since then, Xerez finished in the top 10 in division two each campaign, except in the 2007–08 season when a weak start led to a 15th-place finish. The following campaign proved excellent, as the club was always in the top positions: on 13 June 2009, after beating SD Huesca 2–1 at home, it achieved promotion to the top division for the first time in its history. In the final day of the competition, a draw at Celta de Vigo proved enough for the title, as CD Tenerife lost 1–2 home to CD Castellón in the final minute.[2]

The first season of Xerez in the top flight would be short-lived, as it ended in relegation. After only collecting seven points from the first 19 games – which led to the sacking of coach José Ángel Ziganda – the club amassed 27 in the remaining 19 with Néstor Gorosito as boss, not good enough however to prevent the drop as last (the club, however, had chances to stay up until the final round, a 1–1 draw at CA Osasuna).

Xerez ranked eighth and 14th in the two following second level seasons, respectively. The 2012–13 campaign, however, was disastrous on all levels, as the team finished in 22nd and last position as a direct consequence of enduring serious financial difficulties for several years,[3][4] and the situation culminated with the club being relegated to the fourth division on 1 August.[5]

After the Xerez's relegation, a bunch of supporters founded a new club in the lower leagues, named Xerez Deportivo FC due to the club's institutional problems.[6] While the latter was promoted to Primera Provincial, the former was again relegated, this time to Primera Andaluza.[7]